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My puppy has red bumps, scabs, and hair loss. Is it skin infection?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Male | unneutered | 3 months and 8 days old | 6 lbs

I noticed on my pug puppy that his forehead was red for about a week, then I noticed his hair was thinning out. Now he has alot of bumps on his head, some with scabs and I can see some look like pimples with puss inside them.he has a rash right behind his right front foot also. Could this be a heat rash? I'm scheduled to take him to the vet, but I'm just so worried, what could it be?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 5th, 2018

Dogs don't necessarily get heat rashes; however this is a bacterial infection of the skin which can be caused by flea allergies, puppy strangles, or contact dermatitis. As long as Broccoli is eating well, normal activity level, and otherwise fine, I wouldn't worry too much about it. It likely can be resolved with some antibiotics and topical treatment from your vet. You can bathe him in a puppy oatmeal or aloe based shampoo for now, until you can get Broccoli seen by your vet and appropriately treated. I hope that your fur baby gets his skin issues resolved soon! Best wishes and take care.

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    Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on June 5th, 2019

    I recommend getting him seen by your vet for a dermatological exam. He could have a bacterial or fungal infection, but it could be a form of mange as well, and if so, will need more than medicated baths to heal his skin. Your vet will do some labwork, probably including a skin scrape, in which they take a dulled scalpel blade and carefully scrape the lesions to get a sample of skin cells and debris to look at under the microscope. I've seen quite a few pit bulls with mange and he's the right age for it to start showing up. It will flare up as they age and hormonal changes trigger outbreaks. Based on the results of the exam, your vet will be better able to tell you what is going on and how best to treat his condition.

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